Nofollow links
Nofollow links are hyperlinks with a special attribute that tells search engines not to pass link authority to the linked page. This means they don’t directly help the SEO of the page they link to. The nofollow attribute looks like this in HTML: <a href="example.com" rel="nofollow">Link Text</a>
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These links are often used in situations where the website owner doesn’t want to vouch for the linked content. For example, they are common in blog comments, forum posts, or sponsored content to avoid being seen as endorsing the linked site.
Nofollow links don’t boost the rankings of the target page, but they can still drive traffic. They also help websites stay compliant with search engine guidelines, especially for paid or untrusted links.
Search engines like Google use nofollow links as a way to prevent spam or manipulation of rankings. For instance, if a company pays for a link in an article, using the nofollow attribute ensures it doesn’t unfairly influence rankings.
Although nofollow links don’t pass SEO authority, they can still bring indirect benefits. These include building brand awareness, driving referral traffic, and encouraging natural backlinks in the future.
In summary, nofollow links don’t improve SEO directly but are useful for maintaining ethical link practices and gaining visibility. They are a key part of a balanced link-building strategy.